NYBEP helped organise and deliver an immersive Crisis Day, which was hosted at Scarborough TEC, giving Year 9 students from Graham School an unforgettable opportunity to explore career paths through hands-on learning. The event featured a simulated car crash scenario, allowing students to engage directly with industry professionals while gaining valuable insights into career fields such as Media & Make-Up, Criminology, Health & Social Care, and Uniformed Public Services.

This project is part of an ongoing pilot to test various models of Experience of the Workplaces as a progressive model for pupils from Year 7 upwards. We are keen to engage schools and businesses to develop these offerings to benefit more young people to make informed choices for their successful futures.

Real-World Learning in Action

The day launched with a dramatic drink-driving accident simulation, demonstrating the importance of emergency response. North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service showcased their expertise by performing a live vehicle extraction, giving students an up-close look at life-saving procedures.

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust followed up with essential first aid training, providing students with practical skills relevant to careers in healthcare.

The afternoon session transitioned into crime scene investigations, where students played an active role in gathering evidence, analysing clues, and even conducting mock arrests. Working alongside Scarborough TEC students, they developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills, vital for careers in law enforcement and forensic science.

Positive Impact & Feedback

The event left a lasting impression on participants, with the initiative being highly praised:

Emma Millican, Associate Assistant Vice Principal, Graham School, 

“The event was simply spectacular! Designing the experience so that our Year 9 students were not only fully involved but completely immersed in the crisis situation gave them a real sense of the job roles and skills required to succeed. Many have found inspiration from this experience – and what more can we ask than that?”

Ruth Wray, Head of Faculty at East Riding College, reflected on the event:

“The Mini Crisis Day was a huge success, seeing Year 9 pupils from Graham School working alongside Scarborough TEC students and the Fire Brigade was beyond expectations. Both pupils and students took on roles within Health, Crime, and Uniformed Services to participate in a real-life scenario. Pupils and students took their roles very seriously and enjoyed every moment.

This event enabled pupils and students to learn how to deal with a real-life situation in a safe environment. The skills they developed cannot be taught in a classroom, and this brought learning to life. An amazing opportunity for all involved and excellent memories made. The event will hopefully enthuse pupils and students in wanting to work in one of the areas seen as part of the Crisis Day.”

Dr. Greg Purssord, SAS – Specialist in Anaesthesia and BMA accredited LNC Representative (acting LNC Chair), shared his thoughts on the event:

“It was a pleasure & privilege to be involved with the Crisis Day event. I feel events like this are really key for promoting & encouraging the next generation of students to take up careers in vital services – whether this be in healthcare, the fire & rescue service, or law enforcement.

I am a big advocate of simulation & the opportunities for students to get hands-on, so the Crisis Day was a perfect event to achieve this.

It was really pleasing to see this event, not only giving opportunities to Year 9 students but the T-level students as well – this multi-generational approach to education & experience is invaluable to both groups of students & will play a role in the development of our future public service professionals.”

Adam Dixon, North Yorks Fire and Rescue, emphasised the value of the experience:

“A fantastic opportunity for the young people in our community to see how the fire service operates. It gives them an insight into the fire service when considering future careers. The chance to work with local schools and colleges will only pay dividends in the future.”

How You Can Get Involved

This Crisis Day is just one of many initiatives designed to bridge the gap between education and industry. By offering real-world experiences, we help students develop career-ready skills.

If you or your organisation want to inspire the next generation and take part in our future events, visit our Events Page.

Join us in shaping the future workforce and bringing careers to life!